School Council Visit: On Wednesday 7^th February, our School Council were lucky enough to visit the Council House in the city centre. They met the Deputy Lord Mayor who answered lots of questions about her role and gave them a tour of the special rooms in the Council House. The children were fascinated by the chambers and were even allowed to visit the Lord Mayor’s office and sit on his special seat, which we’ve never been allowed to do before! The children had a wonderful time and were all perfectly behaved! 

Read Write Inc: On Wednesday 7^th February, we welcomed our Reception parents in to school to find out how we teach phonics at Moat House, using Read Write Inc. They also enjoyed observing their own children participating in their phonics lesson. Please can you support your children with their reading at home, especially during the holidays. Thank you.

Mood Boost Workshop: On Monday 5^th February, Year 3 took part in a 'Mood Boost' workshop led by Coventry Mental Health in Schools. The children spent the afternoon learning about what low mood is and what the signs of low mood can be, such as eating or sleeping more or less than usual and losing interest in things they would normally enjoy. They then thought about ways in which they can boost their mood and took part in some activities - including some fun games - to see how they felt afterwards. They learned that the five steps to mental wellbeing are to: take notice, keep learning, be active, connect and give. The children participated fantastically during the session and agreed that they had learned some extremely useful mood boosting skills. 

Kapsch Careers Talk:     We were fortunate to have a visit from Shari, a Business Manager at Kapsch on Friday 2^nd February. They are responsible for the software that manages smart motorways and a variety of other traffic solutions, eg traffic lights 'knowing' when to change as a car approaches and early warning of accidents on roads which allow Satnavs to suggest alternative routes. Shari explained how an interest in IT and coding could lead to someone working as a software engineer or coder at companies like Kapsch. KS2 children listened with interest as she described the jobs that are available at Kapsch and what children would need to study at primary and secondary school to prepare them for a job in IT.

Non-Uniform Day:           Thank you to everyone for your support in wearing non-uniform on Friday 2^nd February in exchange for providing cat food and/or treats for our local charity “Fagin’s Waifs and Strays.” Kirsty and Pat will be delighted with your contributions.

Read Write Inc in Reception: On Wednesday 31^st January, we welcomed our Reception parents in to school to find out how we teach phonics at Moat House, using Read Write Inc. They also enjoyed observing their own children participating in their phonics lesson.

Star School: In the week starting Monday 29^th January, Evie, Hishaam, Ashfaina (Year 4) and Aisha (Year 2) made their radio debut on BBC’s CWR Star School feature. Everyday this week, we have enjoyed listening to our children talk about their views on the news, as well as what they love about Moat House - we even heard from some of our superstar Teaching Assistants: Mrs Bivens and Mrs Shirley, who pretended they were shy about being on the radio! If you missed it, you can catch up on BBC Sounds.

Dol-y-Moch:    From Wednesday 24^th January, our Year 6 children spent an action-packed week at Dol-y-Moch. They had the opportunity to participate in lots of exciting activities, including: canoeing, kayaking, rock scrambling, climbing mountains and exploring mines. Some children climbed up a waterfall inside a mine to reach the top of it! All of the children showed great resilience when facing new challenges and with a little encouragement, many were able to overcome their fears. The Dol-y-Moch staff commented on what a resilient, respectful and determined group of children we had in Year 6. If you would like to see photographs of the children during their adventures, there are lots on the Moat House X (Twitter) account, which you can find: @Moat_House

2EW’s Class Assembly: Thanks to 2EW, who shared a wonderful assembly with us on Friday 26^th January called ‘Your Body’s got Talent’. They have been learning all about the human body and the assembly consisted of three ‘acts’ which really showcased what the children have been learning. We learnt about the bones, the heart and the digestive system. We even welcomed special guest presenters Ant and Dec, as well as Mr Black, played brilliantly by Lochan!

Year 6 Visit to Leicester:         On Thursday 25^th January, some of our Year 6 children went to the Leicester Outdoor Pursuit Centre. Our instructors were great, showing us how to safely do everything and supporting us to improve. Everyone had a go at climbing on the climbing walls and holding the safety ropes. We all got a bit better and climbed higher with each go we had. In the afternoon, we found our inner 'Robin Hoods' during our archery sessions. Everyone had a fantastic time, despite all the mud! 

Fagins Waifs and Strays:        Kirsty and Pat visited our phase assemblies on Wednesday 24^th January and told us all about the cats that they help; they explained that stray and feral cats often need help and their charity enables these cats to receive medical care and attention.

Sky Blue Links: On Thursday 18^th January, Year 6 took part in an anti-racism and discrimination workshop, which was also run by Sky Blues in the Community, with the help of a local police officer. The children were encouraged to discuss some of the key issues with racism and were shown examples of campaigns that aim to stop racism in football and in the wider community. The children listened thoughtfully and joined in with discussions surrounding the issues raised during the workshop. Following the workshop, the children were given the task of designing a poster to raise awareness of the importance of ending racism. The top ten designs will be displayed around the school and the children will win free tickets to watch a Coventry City match at the CBS arena.

Phonics Meeting for Parents:   On Wednesday 17^th January, we welcomed our Year 1 parents in to school to find out how we teach phonics at Moat House, using Read Write Inc. They also enjoyed observing their own children participating in their phonics lesson.

Sky Blue Links: On Tuesday 16^th January, Year 4 enjoyed their second session with Sky Blues in the Community. This week, they learnt how physical activity can have a positive impact on the body and mind. The children then learnt about the flexibility, stamina and strength needed for specific sports. Finally, they finished off by playing circle football, which they thoroughly enjoyed!

Assembly Visitor:       Brian Nash, the vicar of St Chads church and one of our governors, came into school on Monday 15^th January to share a story from the Bible. He told us the story of Gideon and about how he became a brilliant warrior and defeated the army of the Midianites to save his people. There were actions that everyone had to join in with which made the story even more interesting. The children really enjoyed the story and joined in well with their parts. Thank you, Brian.

Healthy Eating Week:  In the week beginning 15^th January, our children took part in Healthy Eating Week, where there was a focus on learning about the benefits of eating healthily. The children have learnt that it is important to eat a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates and plenty of fruit, vegetables and water and that treats can be enjoyed in moderation. We hope that they can encourage everyone at home to adopt good food habits to benefit the whole family.

New Year's Resolutions:   Every year I challenge the children to think of something they could improve at school and at home and adopt these as resolutions. Many have told me that they intend to work more quickly, write more neatly, have a better attitude or be a better friend. I'd like to wish everybody the best of luck with their resolutions. I would hope that you might see the benefit at home too with tidier, more helpful children who argue less with their brothers or sisters. I shared that I aim to practise my guitar more regularly and started at lunchtime, in the dining room, which both I, and the children, enjoyed.

Young Voices: On Wednesday 10^th January, some of our children from KS2 participated in a Young Voices concert at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham. During the show, they sang a range of songs, including hits from the films 'Matilda' and 'Moana' and a medley of music all about walking, to a full audience and with children from lots of other schools. Moat House children were particularly fantastic at singing 'The Moment' and 'Today is going to be a great day'. They were able to work with a conductor, as well as sing and dance alongside some very talented performers, including Drummer Nandi Bushell, who is only 13 years old and dance group Urban Strides. They particularly enjoyed learning to rap with multi award winning Rapper MC Grammar! Everyone had a fantastic day, danced the night away and did Moat House proud!

Joy of Moving in Year 4:        On Tuesday 9^th January, Year 4 started a five week programme with Sky Blues in the Community, which is called 'Joy of Movement'.  This week, they learnt what Physical Activity is and they wrote their own definition of this. Then, they conducted a pulse rate experiment to calculate their resting heart and their heart rate after physical activity. After that, they took part in a physical activity session and they thoroughly enjoyed playing scarecrow together. They cannot wait for next week's session! 

Rock Steady:    On Tuesday 9^th January, Ben from Rock Steady demonstrated his musical talents by playing some familiar rock, songs using a range of different instruments including the guitar, keyboard and drums. Over the next few weeks, he is going to be working with some of our children to form five of our very own Moat House rock bands! The children will practise playing a chosen instrument and will be ready to perform to us in a special assembly. We can’t wait!